Flotation device

ABSTRACT

A flotation device including a frame and buoyant foam covering is described.

FIELD

Some implementations relate generally to flotation devices for pools, and, more particularly, to a floatation device including foam members supported by an internal frame.

BACKGROUND

Conventional flotation devices may be formed from flexible material (e.g., closed-cell foam) that may float and be flexible, but may not provide much support to a user of the conventional flotation device.

Embodiments were conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems and limitations, among other things. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor(s), to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Some implementations can include a flotation device. The flotation device can include a head support frame including a first elongate member and a second elongate member coupled to the first elongate member, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are covered by a first elongate buoyant elastomeric material portion and a second elongate buoyant elastomeric material portion, respectively. The flotation device also includes an accurate frame member covered by an accurate buoyant elastomeric material portion, wherein the accurate frame member is joined to the head support frame.

In some implementations, the head support frame includes an elbow connection coupled to each end of the first elongate member and a tee connector coupled to each end of the second elongate member, and wherein each elbow connection is joined to a corresponding tee connector via an intermediate connector piece.

The flotation device can include a first end cap and a second end cap configured to connect to a first end of the arcuate frame member and a second end of the arcuate frame member.

In some implementations, the head support frame member can be extended by connecting an additional head support frame member to the head support frame member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a top view of an example flotation device in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exploded view of the example flotation device of FIG. 1 in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example flotation device frame in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the example flotation device frame from a perspective through the head support frame in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a perspective view of the example flotation device in accordance with some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some implementations of the flotation device (or floater) can be manufactured from flotation items called “noodles” and plumbing supplies including PVC pipe and associated fittings. Early designs did not have a frame of pipe in the arch and the present inventor determined that the arch would collapse to a triangle without support and thus it needed a frame to maintain the shape.

Some implementations can include tie downs (or other suitable fasteners) to hold a headrest to the floater body (the spreader), which can determine the size of the floater. The frame can include two sections, one for the arch and one for the main body including the headrest. Each frame section can be sealed to form a bubble for added flotation. In some implementations, the frame can be one piece.

The floater can be used in swimming pools and lakes by people enjoying being in the water. No longer does a person have to stand in the pool or hang onto the wall or grasp a flimsy “noodle” or tread water all day. One steps into the floater and steps into the water allowing the arch of the floater to come up under the armpits with the headrest or spreader frame to be located behind the user to form a back rest and headrest. Thus, one can lean back as in an easy chair in shallow water or in deep water gain a degree of physical therapy called traction as the downward weight of the body by gravity is diminished in the water and the weight of the body below the arms allows a gentle stretch. Many exercises can be done with no weight on the joints which allows blood to flow into the joints. The floater will last for years. There is nothing to inflate. Scrapes or cuts do not diminish the floatation of the floater. A person is in the water not on the water as with most other floaters. The size of the float material is less cumbersome to use compared to an inflatable item which can be bulky. The floater is not intrusive to other people in the water.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a top view of an example flotation device 100 in accordance with some implementations. The flotation device 100 includes an arcuate portion 102 and a head support portion including a first elongate member 104 and a second elongate member 106. The arcuate portion and elongate members shown in FIG. 1 are covered in a buoyant elastomeric material (e.g., polyethylene foam similar to that used in pool “noodles”).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exploded view of the example flotation device of FIG. 1 in accordance with some implementations. The flotation device includes an arcuate buoyant elastomeric material 102, a first elongate buoyant elastomeric material 104, and a second elongate buoyant elastomeric material. The flotation device includes a head support frame having a first elongate frame portion 204, a second elongate frame portion 206, first and second elbow connectors 212 and 214, first and second tee connectors 216 and 218, first and second intermediate connector pieces 220 and 222. The flotation device includes an arcuate frame member 202 (or arch) with first and second endcaps 208 and 210. The arch 202 can be attached to the head support frame using plumbing connections, tie downs, zip ties, or other suitable fasteners.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example flotation device frame in accordance with some implementations. In particular, the arcuate frame member 202 is shown with first and second elbow connectors 212 and 214.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the example flotation device frame from a perspective through the head support frame in accordance with some implementations. The elements of FIG. 4 are those shown in FIG. 2 and described above.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a perspective view of the example flotation device frame in accordance with some implementations. The elements of FIG. 5 are those shown in FIG. 2 and described above.

While some example implementations have been described in terms of a general embodiment with several specific example modifications, it is recognized that other modifications and variations of the embodiments described above are within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Applicant intends to embrace any and all such modifications, variations and embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flotation device comprising: a head support frame including a first elongate member and a second elongate member coupled to the first elongate member, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are covered by a first elongate buoyant elastomeric material portion and a second elongate buoyant elastomeric material portion, respectively; and an accurate frame member covered by an accurate buoyant elastomeric material portion, wherein the accurate frame member and the accurate buoyant elastomeric material portion are joined to the head support frame.
 2. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein the head support frame includes an elbow connection coupled to each end of the first elongate member and a tee connector coupled to each end of the second elongate member, and wherein each elbow connection is joined to a corresponding tee connector via an intermediate connector piece.
 3. The flotation device of claim 1, further comprising a first end cap and a second end cap configured to connect to a first end of the arcuate frame member and a second end of the arcuate frame member.
 4. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein the head support frame member can be extended by connecting an additional head support frame member to the head support frame member. 